NEW YORK -- Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka returned to the US Open semifinals without hitting a ball on Tuesday night because the woman she was supposed to face in the quarterfinals, 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, pulled out of their match with an injured knee.
"I tried my best to take the court today, but during the warm-up, I felt again my knee, and after consultation with the tournament doctor decided not to risk aggravating the injury," Vondrousova, a 26-year-old left-hander from the Czech Republic, said in a statement released by the USTA. "I appreciate all the support this tournament and apologize to the fans who were looking forward to the match.